Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation P4KE16CA
- Part No.:
- P4KE16CA
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
P4KE16CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 13.6VWM 22.5VC DO204AL
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
P4KE16CA from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode designed for robust ESD and surge protection in DC power rails and signal lines. It features a 16V nominal standoff voltage, 17.3V maximum clamping voltage at 17.8A peak pulse current, 400W peak pulse power rating (10/1000μs), and DO-204AL (DO-41) axial package - deployed in automotive lighting control modules to safeguard CAN transceivers against load-dump-induced transients.
For engineers reviewing the P4KE16CA datasheet, P4KE16CA pinout, P4KE16CA application, or P4KE16CA equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional clamping symmetry, low leakage (<1μA @ 13.0V), fast response (<5ns), AEC-Q101 qualification, and compatibility with 10/1000μs surge waveforms per IEC 61000-4-5.
Technical Context
The P4KE16CA operates as a bidirectional avalanche diode, exhibiting symmetrical breakdown behavior in both polarities with VBR min/max of 14.4V/17.6V at 1mA test current. Its clamping action begins at ~13.0V (VWM) and limits transient energy to ≤17.3V at 17.8A, enabling protection of 15V-rated ICs without forward conduction during normal operation.
Thermally rated for TJ = –55°C to +175°C and housed in UL 94V-0 molded DO-41 package, it sustains 400W non-repetitive surges while maintaining <1μA reverse leakage above 13.0V - critical for low-power sensor interfaces and always-on automotive circuits where standby current integrity is essential.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Voltage | 16 V - defines rated working stand-off level before clamping onset |
| Breakdown Voltage VBR | 14.4–17.6 V @ 1 mA - ensures reliable avalanche initiation within tight tolerance band |
| Working Stand-off Voltage VWM | 13.0 V - maximum continuous reverse voltage without significant leakage |
| Clamping Voltage VC | 17.3 V @ 17.8 A - peak voltage seen by protected circuit during 10/1000μs surge |
| Peak Pulse Power PPK | 400 W - energy-handling capacity per single 10/1000μs transient event |
| Reverse Leakage ID | <1 μA @ 13.0 V - preserves low-power rail integrity in battery-backed systems |
| Response Time | <5 ns - enables suppression of fast EFT bursts before downstream IC damage occurs |
| Junction Temperature Range | –55°C to +175°C - supports under-hood automotive deployment without derating |
Pinout & Package
Package: DO-204AL (DO-41), axial-leaded, lead-free, RoHS-compliant, UL 94V-0 molded compound, pure tin-plated leads solderable per J-STD-002.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional avalanche junction | No polarity marking required; identical clamping in both directions - simplifies PCB layout and eliminates orientation errors |
| Lead 1 / Lead 2 | Current path terminals | Leads serve as mechanical mounting points and thermal conduction paths; 0.300g mass aids heat dissipation during surge events |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing - suitable for engine control and lighting modules |
| 400W surge capability (10/1000μs) | Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump) up to 120V/100ms without degradation when used with appropriate series impedance |
| Bidirectional clamping symmetry | VBR and VC match within ±5% between polarities - ensures consistent protection on AC-coupled or floating signal lines |
| Low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.2) | Minimizes overvoltage stress on protected ICs - e.g., clamps 17.3V peak while VBR = 14.4V, reducing margin design overhead |
| Halogen-free & RoHS compliant | Meets IEC 61249-2-21 and EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU - supports green manufacturing and end-of-life compliance |
Applications
| Automotive Lighting Control | Industrial Sensor Interface |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Protecting LED driver ICs and microcontrollers in headlamp modules subjected to load-dump transients up to 120V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS clamping device placed across VCC–GND input rail to shunt surge energy before reaching sensitive logic. Use Value: Limits rail voltage to ≤17.3V during 400W transients, preventing latch-up or gate oxide rupture in 16V-rated drivers. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding 4–20mA analog sensor outputs in factory automation against EFT bursts (IEC 61000-4-4). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-capacitance TVS placed differential across signal pair to clamp common-mode surges without distorting 1kHz bandwidth signals. Use Value: Sub-5ns response ensures clamping occurs before EFT edge (5ns rise time) propagates into ADC front-end, preserving measurement fidelity. |
| Power Supply Input Protection | USB Port ESD Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary-side overvoltage suppression on 12V DC-DC converter outputs feeding FPGA I/O banks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standoff-rated TVS connected from output rail to ground to absorb coupling-induced transients from adjacent switching stages. Use Value: 13.0V VWM allows stable 12V operation while clamping to 17.3V - compatible with 1.8V/3.3V/5V tolerant I/O voltage margins. |
Use Scenario: Board-level ESD protection for USB 2.0 D+/D– lines in embedded host controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional TVS placed across differential pair to clamp ±8kV contact discharge per IEC 61000-4-2 without signal distortion. Use Value: Symmetrical VBR ensures equal clamping on both data lines, maintaining differential integrity and avoiding common-mode skew. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ16CA | Same DO-214AC (SMA) package; 16V VWM, 25.6V VC @ 15.6A - higher clamping voltage than P4KE16CA's 17.3V | Higher VC reduces margin for 16V-rail ICs; better suited for 24V systems where 25.6V clamping is acceptable | Select SMAJ16CA only if board space permits SMA footprint and system can tolerate 47% higher clamping voltage |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5KE16CA | Same DO-204AL (DO-41) package; 16V VWM, 25.6V VC @ 15.6A - identical clamping spec but 1.5kW rating implies larger junction area | Higher PPK (1500W vs 400W) suits repetitive surge environments; not AEC-Q101 qualified | Choose 1.5KE16CA for industrial motor drives with frequent switching transients, but avoid in automotive due to missing AEC-Q101 validation |
Compared with SMAJ16CA and 1.5KE16CA, the P4KE16CA delivers the lowest clamping voltage (17.3V) in its class and is uniquely AEC-Q101 qualified in DO-41 - making it optimal for space-constrained, high-reliability automotive applications where voltage margin and qualification are decisive.
Availability
P4KE16CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting control, industrial sensor interface, power supply input protection, and USB port ESD protection requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.
Supply support for P4KE16CA includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation (TSC) is a vertically integrated semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete power devices, TVS diodes, rectifiers, and MOSFETs - headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, with global distribution and AEC-Q101 certification capabilities.
The P4KE series was engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, high-volume automotive and industrial surge protection - emphasizing AEC-Q101 compliance, tight VBR tolerances, and robust 400W 10/1000μs surge handling in legacy DO-41 packaging.
FAQ
What does the "CA" suffix indicate in P4KE16CA?
The "CA" suffix in P4KE16CA denotes bidirectional configuration - meaning the device provides symmetrical transient suppression in both forward and reverse directions. Unlike unidirectional variants (e.g., P4KE16A), P4KE16CA has no cathode band marking and exhibits matched VBR and VC characteristics across polarity, making it ideal for AC-coupled or floating signal line protection where polarity cannot be guaranteed. This is confirmed in the "Devices for bipolar applications" section of the datasheet.
Is P4KE16CA AEC-Q101 qualified?
Yes, P4KE16CA is AEC-Q101 qualified - explicitly stated in the FEATURES section of the datasheet ("AEC-Q101 qualified available") and reinforced by ordering codes ending in "H" (e.g., P4KE16CAH). This qualification covers stress tests including temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias (HTRB), and ESD, validating its suitability for automotive under-hood and body-control module applications. The qualification applies specifically to P4KE16CA when ordered with the "H" suffix.
What is the maximum clamping voltage of P4KE16CA and at what current is it specified?
The maximum clamping voltage of P4KE16CA is 17.3 V, measured at a peak pulse current (IPPM) of 17.8 A under the standard 10/1000μs double-exponential waveform. This value is listed in the "MAXIMUM RATINGS AND ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS" table for Part Number P4KE16CA and represents the worst-case voltage imposed on the protected circuit during a full-rated surge event - critical for verifying compatibility with downstream IC absolute maximum ratings.
How does P4KE16CA differ from P4KE16A?
P4KE16A is unidirectional with a cathode band marking and specified only for reverse-biased operation, whereas P4KE16CA is bidirectional with symmetrical characteristics in both directions and no polarity marking. Electrically, P4KE16A has VBR = 15.2–16.8 V and VC = 22.5 V @ 18.6 A, while P4KE16CA has VBR = 14.4–17.6 V and VC = 17.3 V @ 17.8 A - demonstrating significantly lower clamping performance and true bipolar functionality. These distinctions are defined in the "Devices for bipolar applications" note and electrical tables.
What is the junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of P4KE16CA?
The datasheet does not specify RθJA for P4KE16CA; instead, it provides steady-state power dissipation (PD = 1 W at TL = 75°C with 9.5mm lead length) and maximum junction temperature (TJ = 175°C). Thermal performance depends on PCB copper pad area and lead length - per "Mounted on 5 x 5 mm copper pads to each terminal" in Absolute Maximum Ratings. For precise thermal modeling, users must derive RθJA experimentally or via JEDEC JESD51-2 simulation using the DO-41 package geometry and layout conditions.
P4KE16CA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AL, DO-41, Axial
- Series:
- P4KE
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 13.6V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 15.2V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 22.5V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 18.6A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 400W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AL (DO-41)
P4KE16CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for P4KE16CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for P4KE16CA on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for P4KE16CA reliable?
The price and inventory of P4KE16CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for P4KE16CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for P4KE16CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for P4KE16CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for P4KE16CA?
P4KE16CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your P4KE16CA order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for P4KE16CA?
For technical support, including P4KE16CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your P4KE16CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that P4KE16CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All P4KE16CA products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that P4KE16CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of P4KE16CA?
All P4KE16CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with P4KE16CA, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The P4KE16CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for P4KE16CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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